If you're
considering a weekend getaway and enjoy areas that are steeped in history, a
visit to Wilmington, Delaware is a must.
Board the Kalmar Nyckel, a seaworthy recreation of the Tall Ship that
carried the Swedes to Wilmington in 1638.
During the summer months, the Kalmar Nyckel sails up and down the East
Coast, but it will be moored in Wilmington from June 20th thru July
4th with lots of opportunities for day sails. An excursion on the River Taxi is a novel way
to delve into the area's heritage or take a ride the Wilmington & Western
Railroad, one of the country's oldest steam-powered railroads. See the world's largest collection of
operating steam cars at the Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights. Experience 17th- and 18th-century
technology and lifestyles at Greenbank Mills & Philips Farm.

Trace the
legacy of Delaware's du Pont family. The
story begins at Hagley, located on the bank of the Brandywine River where E.I.
du Pont settled in 1802 and began harnessing water power to produce
high-quality gunpowder, thus laying the foundation for the world renowned
DuPont Company. Visitors can see the original
roll mills and machine in operation and tour the mansion which housed five
generations of the du Pont family. Nearby
Winterthur Museum & Country Estate houses Henry Francis du Pont's premier
collection of American furniture and decorative arts and is open for themed
tours throughout the year. Outside,
Henry Francis is said to have painted the landscape with plants and shrubs and
a tram ride through the naturalistic gardens is a must. Commissioned by A.I. du Pont in 1909 and
inspired by Marie Antoinette's Le PetitTrianon at Versailles, Nemours
Mansion & Gardens is an architectural gem.
The mansion is filled with spectacular examples of paintings, ceramics,
tapestries and furniture, some of which date back to the 15th
century, and surrounded by what is arguably the finest example of a formal
French garden in North America.

Discover
Historic New Castle which welcomed William Penn to the New World in 1682. Overlooking the Delaware River, this vibrant,
fully occupied community is one of the most important Colonial/Federal villages
in America-second only to Williamsburg in the number and authenticity of its
historic structures. Minutes south,
Historic Odessa features superb examples of 18th- and 19th-century
architecture. What distinguishes
Historic Odessa is the accuracy of the period rooms and furnishings, most of
which were crafted by Delaware's prominent 18th-century
cabinetmakers, silversmiths and artists.
The Historic Odessa Foundation has also introduced education programs
like Freedom Seekers: The Odessa Story
which unveils the role the town played in the Underground Railroad.

You'll find
plenty to do and see in the Greater Wilmington Area and, remember, it's all
tax-free!
For more information go to www.VisitWilmingtonDe.com or call 800-489-6664 or 302-295-2210.